2012 will also be marked by the deaths of two men who help to bring music to the masses, breaking down barriers and giving music a whole new avenue to reach fans — Dick Clark and Don Cornelius.

Clark’s “American Bandstand” is as iconic to the civil rights movement as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Clark gave black artists the chance to be seen and heard on a national TV program. From 1957 through 1989, “American Bandstand” brought music right into living rooms.

Cornelius hosted “Soul Train,” which many compared to Clark’s “Bandstand.” He, in turn, blessed viewers each week with cool dancers grooving to the best that soul music had to offer.

Clark and Cornelius can be credited for jump-starting many careers. Clark’s love for music gave him the ultimate title of being known as “America’s oldest Teenager.”

2012 was also the year for dominating singles on the Hot 100, as only 12 songs occupied No. 1, and three returned the following week to reclaim the top spot. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” (Kelly Clarkson), “Whistle” (Flo Rida), “ and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” Taylor Swift each hit No. 1 twice, while Rihanna was the only artist in 2012 to hit No. 1 with two songs, including “We Found Love” and “Diamonds.”

Here’s a rundown of The Farr Side top 10 albums of 2012.

10.

“Looking 4 Myself”

Usher

This album continues the winning recipe Usher has been cooking with since 2004’s “Confessions,” the album that made him a superstar. Carefully blending updated techno/electronic sounds with old school soul makes this album a success. It’s upbeat, sexy and contemporary without compromising his signature vocal talents. Not too many artists could pull off such a feat and be successful in the way that he has here. You can dance, love or get your groove on to this record.

Best tracks: “Numb” and “Scream.”

9.

“The Lumineers”

The Lumineers

I love this raw, foot-stomping music from one of the year’s best break through artists. Like their contemporaries Mumford & Sons, Of Monsters & Men and The Avett Brothers, this two man-one woman band caught the attention of music lovers with a simple brand of Americana inflected roots folk/rock sound. “Ho Hey” is a crowd-pleasing gem, for sure, while the poignant “Flowers in Your Hair” gives great insight to the eponymous band’s sensibilities and talents. The music on this self-titled debut falls somewhere in between the spectrums of folk, blues, Americana and bluegrass to create a niche all their own. Love it!

Page 2 of 4 - Best Tracks: “Ho Hey” and “Slow It Down.”

8.

“Sweeter”

Gavin DeGraw

Gavin DeGraw has to be the most under-appreciated artist of the past decade. “Sweeter” illustrates an artistry that sometimes feels overlooked in comparison with other artists of his nature. I’ve been a fan from the get-go, so it was no surprise that I liked this album so much. He’s a modern day pop/rocker who isn’t shy on freewheeling melodies, nor on the blue-eyed soul that his music embraces. He’s a talented artist who can write songs, sing them well and play the accompaniment piano like no other, too. It’s a shame he was snubbed for a Grammy for Best Rock Solo Performance for both “Not Over You” or the title track.

Best Tracks: “Sweeter,” “Not Over You” and “Where You Are.”

7.

“Wild One”

Flo Rida

What can I say? Flo Rida is a guilty pleasure of mine. I think if you’re going to be a rapper, then why not have a good time doing so. This album speaks of a good time, especially the first single “Good Feeling.” You can put it on and have an instant party, much the way LMFAO’s “Sorry For The Party Rockin’” CD was last year. Flo Rida is joined by several guest artists including the title track which he shares with European artist Sia. “Sweet Spot” features Jennifer Lopez and RedFoo of LMFAO appears on “Run.” While as upbeat and fun on most of the tracks here, Flo Rida gets a little ore personal for the single “I Cry.”

Best Tracks: “Wild One,” “Good Feeling” and “I Cry.”

6.

“The Truth About Love”

Pink

This album is her 6th studio album release and the first after having her baby. It follows an impressive “Greatest Hits” collection to become yet another stellar piece of work for music’s current Pop/Rock Queen. Her unforgettable artistry remains intact here, especially on “Try.” Forgive me - I’m still riveting from her Grammy performance of “Glitter in The Air” three years ago. The album finds Pink becoming even more content with herself, and aren’t we glad. The songs showcased on “The Truth” seem even more in-your-face, something we’ve come to expect from her. And yet, they’re perfect. And, by that, I mean infectious. You can’t help but get caught up in them.

I was a huge fan of Mumford & Sons debut, “Sigh No More.” No sophomore jinx here, “Babel’ delivers that raw, rootsy-emotion filled madness that has caused a revolution on the current music scene helping to usher in other new bands such as The Lumineers and Of Monster And Men. The four-man folk/rock band continue the high energy foot-stomping magic of “Little Lion Man” on the album’s first single “I Will Wait.” This truly is a band that pours its working strengths into their collaborations (songs) to create music that defines them as a “band” and not just a singer who fronts a few musicians. “Babel” is artistry at work from the beginning chords of the title track through the Deluxe release, which includes a stirring rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer.”

Best Tracks: “I Will Wait,” “Whispers In The Dark” and “Babel.”

4.

“Red”

Taylor Swift

Finally, the album from Taylor Swift I’ve been waiting for. “Red” finds her shedding her country image even more to embrace the pop star you know she’s dreamed of being. This album is full of great songs, mostly penned by Swift herself — including her usual ones involving former celebrity boyfriend romances gone awry. It’s difficult to pick out which songs are your favorites here as so many of them on “Red” are great, including the anthem-like “State Of Grace,” a song that blew me away the first time I heard it. I’m glad she’s evolving and taking more chances. She has grown into the artist people thought she was all along.

Best Tracks: “State Of Grace,” “I Knew You Were Trouble” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”

3.

“Overexposed”

Maroon 5

“Overexposed” finds the band Maroon 5 embracing it’s pop music side by creating a rich, pop-infused collection of songs for it’s fourth studio album. Others may mock the band for the direction it’s taking, but truth be told, it’s working. Maroon 5 has cleverly etched its way into the meshed fabric that is pop and rock music today. Adam Levine’s role as “Coach’ on TV’s “The Voice” proves that about he and the band, but it’s their songs that truly say so. Since 2002, the band has hit the Hot 100 15 times including three tracks from this album so far. The fun, disco-y sound heard throughout “Overexposed” made them standouts among other bands this year.

Page 4 of 4 - Best Tracks: “Payphone,” “Daylight” and “One More Night.”

2.

“Stronger”

Kelly Clarkson

“Stronger” is such an amazing album on so many levels, but most of all it’s pure Kelly. For her fifth studio release, the original “American Idol” pulled out all the stops to record the album she was destined to record. It’s pop music as it’s finest, and what better song epitomizes that better in 2012 than Clarkson’s No 1 mega-hit “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).” The song helped her to earn four Grammy nominations. Clarkson is at the top of her game on such tracks as “Dark Side,” “The War Is Over,” and her duet pairing with country star Jason Aldean for “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” I’m believing that we’ve only just begun to witness her true potential and if this album is any indication, then we’re in for a long career of great music to come from her.

Who doesn’t love this album? I bought this album on a road trip this summer and much to my surprise — I loved it. Fun comprises the musicianship of Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost, and Jack Antonoff, all members of other bands who joined fores to have, well, Fun. The end result is a follow up to 2009’s “Aim & Ignite.” “Some Nights” features several anthem-like tracks including the the smash title track and this year’s best song in my opinion, “We Are Young” featuring Janelle Monae. This song was everywhere, including Chevy commercials as well as covered by the Glee cast, but more importantly it was at No. 1 for 6 six weeks. Ruess’s vocals are amazing. He’s a strong tenor who sings without vibrato, making the high notes of “We Are Young” seem effortless — I can only compare them to that of Freddie Mercury. You can’t truly label them as their sound embraces so many of their influences. The entire album is good from beginning to end, from high energy to subtle balladry, it stays consistent and Fun. The songs seem to build from one to the next, creating a well-crafted masterpiece sure to be the envy of their peers for years to come.

Best Tracks: We Are Young,” “ Some Nights,” “ Carry On” and “All Alright.”